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We discussed in class this past Sunday how the conflict between Solomon declaring everything meaningless, and yet also celebrating all that God had given him can be resolved by looking at everything in relation to God. It’s only when man’s viewpoint is predominant that we quickly come to the same conclusion as King Solomon – that all is meaningless, futile, and without purpose.

Let’s read Chapters 1 and 2 this week and consider the following:

1. Compare Eccl 1:1-3 with Mark 8:36-38. What is the lesson God is teaching us in these verses?
2. In verses 4-11 Solomon speaks of the cycles of the earth as it spins around the Sun, all appearing to be eternal. He contrasts his thought that the earth remains forever with the realization that all life is fleeting. He concludes in verses 10-11 by stating there’s nothing new under the sun. Is that still true today? With all of the advances in technology and medicine for example, is Solomon still right or are his thoughts out dated, outmoded?
3. What is Solomon referring to in verse 11? (See also Genesis 40:23, and Eccl 9:15?
4. What is Solomon talking about in verses 12-18 and what does he mean “a chasing after the wind”?
5. If we were to restate verse 18 in today’s vernacular we could say (fill in the blank) "Ignorance is _____". Can you point to an example in today’s life that points out what Solomon is saying, “the more knowledge the more grief”?
6. Having found no lasting joy or peace in work, knowledge or wisdom Solomon now seeks to find it in pleasure. (2:1) What does he try first in verses two and three of the second chapter? How does man attempt to do this today?
7. When that didn’t work what did Solomon then try to find pleasure in (2:4-11) and again, how do we see this today? <
8. In verses 12-16 Solomon turns to seeking wisdom for meaning and purpose in his life. What did he observe about wisdom in verse 13?
9. In verse 14 Solomon concludes that having wisdom prevents the wise man from walking in the darkness. What else did he conclude about the wise and the foolish in verse 14?
10. Why was Solomon so upset about this observation? What did he conclude about his life in verse 16?
11. Solomon states in verse 17 that he “hated life”, why? (2:18-23)
12. How then does Solomon conclude can man find true happiness? (2:24-26) >

In summary Solomon came to the conclusion that seeking satisfaction and fulfillment by working hard, or seeking wisdom, or “living for today” and seeking pleasure – none of these could ever bring true satisfaction, it’s only through God that we’ll find peace, fulfillment, satisfaction during our brief time on earth. Rather than seeking the thing which will make us happy we need to seek God’s kingdom and His will for lives first, only then will we find true meaning and happiness. This week let’s pray that God will renew within us a new sense of purpose and a keen awareness of His will for our lives as we continue to reflect on Solomon’s words.

Yours in Christ,

Wes